The Green Giant

My man Josh Davis created this little summer refresher during a Tanqueray gin cocktail contest late last month in Chicago.

As you can see from the photos he was nice enough to supply, it was obviously a pretty awesome party in Chi-town. Unfortunately, I was here in good ol’ C of D, rooting him on from a distance. But, with some Midori in my hands I figured it was time I busted out his entry, which I’ve been sitting on for a couple weeks now.

Further proof that I’m just a goony-ass hipster at heart — the entire time I was making this drink and writing it up, I had Panic at the Disco’s “That Green Gentleman” playing in my head. On repeat.

“Things are shaping up to be pretty odd.”

Green Giant

1.5 oz Tanqueray

.5 oz Grand Marnier

1 oz Midori

3 oz tonic

In a highball glass filled with ice, pour your gin, orange liqueur and melon liqueur. Stir until well mixed, then top with your tonic water. Stir gently to mix. I adjusted the Midori (upped it from .75 oz to 1 oz) and upped the tonic to 3 oz from two.

Josh tells me that this can also be done up as a shot, which I definitely think would make a solid buzz builder.

This is pretty solid. I adjusted it a little bit to add a bit more Midori for my taste. I went with a full 1 oz. This is a great summer drink, with it’s great green color and melon flavor. I could easily see grilling with this in my hand. In fact, I tested out this theory. It does go well with 106 degree weather while grilling.

Kudos, Josh! Unfortunately, he didn’t make it past the finals. Like we talked about afterward though, at least he has the experience under his belt now, and the inspiration to keep fighting the good fight and working towards being the next big thing on the bar scene. I’ve got faith he can do it

Thanks again to Josh for the recipe! Be sure and follow him on Twitter at @MrMixologist if you get the chance!